HAND-PAINTED VAJRAYOGINI TIBETAN THANGKA, THANKA PAINTING

THIS IS AN ORIGINAL PAINTING NOT A PRINT

This is  an exquisite and unique hand-painted masterpiece—a Vajrayogini Tibetan Thangka painting. Vajrayoginī, also known as Dorjé Neljorma in Tibetan, stands as a paramount figure in Buddhism, particularly revered within the rich tapestry of Tibetan Buddhism. Embraced within Vajrayana, she is hailed as a female Buddha and a ḍākiṇī, embodying significant spiritual symbolism and depth.

Vajrayoginī, often adorned with the epithet sarvabuddhaḍākiṇī, meaning "the ḍākiṇī who embodies the Essence of all Buddhas," serves as an Anuttarayoga Tantra meditational deity (iṣṭadevatā). Her practice extends beyond conventional boundaries, offering transformative methods that transcend the cycle of ordinary existence—preventing death, navigating the intermediate state (bardo), and the rebirth cycle (samsara), leading them towards the path of enlightenment. Moreover, her teachings unveil the potential to elevate mundane daily experiences into profound spiritual paths.

The roots of the Vajrayoginī cult trace back between the 10th and 12th centuries, drawing inspiration from Hindu Shaiva tantras. Originally appearing as the consort of Cakrasaṃvara, Vajrayoginī evolved into an independent and revered practice. The lineage of Vajrayoginī practice finds its origins in the teachings of Vajradhara, branching into three primary lineages: Narokhachö, Maitrikhachö, and Indrakhachö.

At the core of Vajrayoginī's essence lies 'great passion' (maharaga), a passion transcendent of selfishness and illusion—dedicated to the welfare of others and the annihilation of ego attachment. She particularly resonates with individuals driven by strong passions, offering a pathway to transform these passions into enlightened virtues. Visualized as a 16-year-old female form, her striking attributes include red skin, a wisdom-filled third eye, and symbolic elements like the flaying knife and skull cup. Her demeanor, fierce yet infused with bliss, encapsulates profound spiritual connotations.

Practices linked with her involve Chöd and the Six Yogas of Naropa. Temples dedicated to her in the Kathmandu Valley are revered as places of power in both Newar and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Furthermore, the abbesses of Samding Monastery in Tibet are traditionally viewed as emanations of Vajravārāhī, continuing the lineage of female tulkus to this day. Notably, according to scholar Miranda Shaw, Vajrayoginī stands as 'undoubtedly the supreme deity of the Tantric pantheon.' Her metaphysical and practical significance eclipses that of any male Buddha, including her divine consort, Heruka Cakrasaṃvara."

Size of Painting Only: 11-inch x 15-inch (28 cm x 38 cm)

Material: Handmade Cotton Canvas

Color: Water/Gold